Armchair Expat

In this episode of Armchair Expat, Shannon sits down with Erin Charlotte, an international real estate agent and Golden Visa advisor who’s helping Americans find their dream homes — and their freedom — in Portugal. Originally from Minnesota, Erin shares the story of how a birthday trip to Porto sparked a full-on relocation journey and led to the creation of her thriving real estate business. From navigating cultural quirks and bureaucratic slowdowns to explaining Portugal’s updated Golden Visa program, Erin offers expert insight and candid advice for anyone dreaming of a slower, sunnier life abroad. Whether you’re planning to buy property in Portugal, pursue European residency, or just want to understand the landscape, this episode is packed with value. Topics We Cover: Erin’s path from Minnesota to Lisbon — and the lemon tree that started it all The realities of buying real estate in Portugal (and how it differs from the U.S.) What Americans need to know about property taxes, financing, and open listings Po